When Kurt Coleman showed up in Spartanburg last summer, he was fighting for a starting job with a contract that included only $600,000 in guarantees.

Photo: Ben Coon

When Coleman shows up for the start of training camp on Wednesday, the secondary's new veteran leader will have a much better deal to sign.

According to a league source, Coleman and the Panthers on Tuesday agreed to a 3-year extension. The deal was first reported by NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. Financial terms aren't yet available.

After signing a 2-year contract worth just $2.8 million last spring, Coleman jumped past incumbent free safety starter Tre Boston in training camp. Coleman shattered a career record with seven interceptions and added two more picks in the playoffs.

With the Panthers' secondary currently in makeover mode, coaches are depending on the 7-year veteran to help bring along younger players like Boston and one of the most inexperienced cornerback groups in the league.